In the News

Aug072018

US Sen. Jerry Moran fielded questions about trade, net neutrality and frustration with the President during a town hall meeting Tuesday morning.

About two dozen people gathered for the discussion at the Neosho County Community College auditorium, sponsored by the Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce. Moran said he had a limited time for his listening tour, because of a shortened break in the Senate.

After the meeting in Chanute, Moran headed to another on Tuesday afternoon in Coffeyville.

“I try to show up wherever it rains,” Moran commented about Tuesday morning’s weather.

He began with an update on issues going through Congress, including the farm bill, veterans health care and education.

Moran recalled cutting the ribbon of an aircraft built from aluminum, which now is now subject to tariffs in international trade. He also said soybean prices are down $2 a bushel since tariffs were imposed.

One member of the audience asked Moran about an apparent reluctance by Republicans to criticize President Donald Trump.

“This president is controversial just like the last president was controversial,” Moran said. He said some constituents asked that previous President Barack Obama be impeached, and now another group of constituents wants Trump impeached.

Moran said Trump is different from previous administrations. He said Republicans have been more outspoken than Democrats on the issue of trade.

Moran also responded to questions about the status of the Affordable Care Act and about banking legislation.

Moran cited the need for bi-partisan agreement before any action, because of the need to have 60 votes. He gave the example of changes to the Dodd-Frank Act, where sides confronted each other over total repeal versus not touching it. Moran said similar confrontations exist over ACA, and Congress should have had a plan to replace ACA.

“It’s the big issues that are the most difficult,” he said.

Moran gave his support to net neutrality and Internet access, but said errors in the Federal Communication Commission’s maps of access are a stumbling block.